FAQs
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FAQs

I need my car towed, what do I do?

You can have your car towed to our facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. Simply call Affordable Towing 641-423-1035.

Where do I get a claim number?

Insurance companies issue claim numbers at the time an accident is reported. This is a necessity to process your claim. If you have a claim number, bring it with you when you come in for an estimate.

How do I start the claims process?

You can do one of three things: Call your agent and they will start the paper work. Call the number on your insurance card to report an accident. Hawkeye Auto Body claims handlers can also help you to start the same process right in our office and receive the claim number from the insurance company.

When can I get my vehicle repaired?

As soon as Hawkeye Auto Body receives a claim number from the insurance company, we can start the repair process. An estimate is written, sometimes a tear down is required, parts are ordered, and your vehicle is scheduled for repairs. Sometimes, this can all be done the same day.

Will the parts be ordered before I drop off my vehicle for repair?

Absolutely. This helps provide quicker turn around time. We usually order your vehicle’s parts at the time we write the estimate, then schedule your vehicle for drop-off a few days later unless your vehicle is found unsafe to drive. If this happens, we would help you arrange a rental vehicle.

Are you open Saturday?

No. We are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How can I get a rental vehicle?

Insurance companies only pay for a rental car if you have that benefit on your policy or if you are the claimant. Check your policy or call your insurance company or agent to find out if you have rental coverage and your specific limitations. Hawkeye Auto Body works with Enterprise Rental Cars and can make your arrangements in our office.

How long will the repairs to my vehicle take?

We can give you an approximate time it will take to complete the repair. We make every effort to ensure your damaged vehicle is repaired as quickly as possible. However, we will not sacrifice quality for the sake of time. Sometimes after the vehicle is disassembled, hidden damage is found and in some cases more parts are needed. This will delay the scheduled delivery time of your vehicle.

Can I get a ride home when I drop off my vehicle for repairs?

Yes, we would be happy to provide this service to you. We want each customer’s visit to be a positive experience, and we will work diligently toward this goal. We provide pickup and delivery service for the local area.

How will I know when my repairs are completed?

You will be notified when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. If it is an extensive repair, we will try to keep you informed on how the repair is progressing. Feel free to call or e-mail us during the repair process if you have questions or concerns.

Can you match the paint?

We have made a major investment in our Sherwin Williams paint system and are constantly upgrading its technology and equipment to ensure each vehicle’s paint matches. We take pride in our ability to match factory finishes as the final step in your repair process.

If my vehicle's frame is damaged, is it a total loss?

No. A car is a total loss only when the price of repairs exceeds the insurance company’s determined value of your vehicle. Many vehicles today are built using unibody construction. Our certified technicians and state-of the-art computer measuring system and frame rack can return your vehicle to its original factory specifications. If it is determined that the frame or structural section is bent beyond repair this section can be replaced.

If the insurance company deems my vehicle a total loss, what does this mean?

This means the sum of the cost of repairs plus the value of the vehicle in damaged condition (salvage value) is greater than the actual cash value of the vehicle prior to the accident. Sometimes safety (if the vehicle will be safe to drive after repaired) issues and reparability play a factor in total loss vehicles.

Who do I pay my deductible to?

If your insurance company does not waive your deductible, it will be your responsibility to pay Hawkeye Auto Body the deductible amount when you pick up your vehicle. If you were the claimant, you would have no deductible.

Can you save me (or some of) my deductible?

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It basically says if you have a loss, you are responsible for the first portion of repairs (your deductible), and the insurance carrier will pay the rest. If we do fewer repairs than agreed with the insurance carrier, you’re still responsible for the deductible. Any reduction will be refunded to the insurance company. Any honest business will say no.

Will I be forced to use the repair facility with the lowest bid??

No. An estimate from the lowest bidder is not necessarily the best place to have your vehicle repaired and usually not in your best interest. When considering safety issues involved in collision repair and the investment you made in your vehicle, quality repairs become very important. A quality collision repair facility trains and has certified employees and invests in the latest high-tech equipment. This type of shop will also work hard to ensure your vehicle is repaired back to its pre-accident condition. As is the case with goods and services, you get what you pay for. Just remember, the choice is yours!

Do I have the right to choose my repair facility even if the insurance carrier is paying for the repair?

Yes! You have the right to have your car repaired at any repair facility you choose.

Do I need more than one estimate?

No law requires you to get more than one estimate. It is a common misconception. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier, which specifies what coverage you have purchased. Your insurance company is required by law to pay a reasonable cost to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition according to this contact. You are free to choose any reputable repair facility you wish.

Can I get other service work done on my vehicle while it is being repaired?

Yes. Please let our staff know what other work you need. Ask what other services are available at Hawkeye Auto Body.

When can I wash my car?

We recommend you follow these simple precautions in the first few months of your new finish.

THE FIRST 30 DAYS
Do not use a commercial car wash. Stiff brushes or sponges could mar the finish and damage the surface. Wash the vehicle by hand with cool water and a very mild car wash solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Do not “dry wipe” your vehicle. Always use clean, fresh water. Dry wiping can scratch the finish. Wash your vehicle in the shade, never in the sun. Do not drive on gravel roads. Chipping the finish is easily done in the first 30 to 90 days. Avoid parking under trees and utility lines, which are likely to attract birds. Bird droppings have high acid content and will damage a freshly painted surface. They should be washed off as soon as possible. Do not park under trees that drop sap or near factories with heavy smoke fallout. Sap and industrial fallout can mar or spot a freshly painted surface. Do not spill gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, or windshield solvent on the new finish. If you do, immediately rinse off with water. Do not wipe. Do not scrape ice or snow from the newly painted surface. Brush off the loose material with a soft snowbrush.

THE FIRST 90 DAYS
Do not wax or polish the vehicle. This will allow the finish to dry and harden completely.